I'm finally resuming my '71 SX rebuild, and am looking at replacing upper/lower ball joints. Found both Moog and Proforged on Rock Auto and would like to know if there's any reason to spend the extra for Proforged? They claim their ball joints will correct the positive camber common to muscle cars of this era. Thoughts, opinions... thanks.

 

I used the regular Moog joints and my car seems to drive fine. I really don't know anything about their tall ball joints.

 

Here's a link.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ll+joint,10070

 

Are you planning on running road courses? If not just run with the Moogs.

 

A tall ball joint effectively changes the height of the spindle. This is the same reason why people use the B-body spindles on A-body cars - to fix the crappy camber curve and improve handling. Yes, this will make the car handle better, ASSUMING you properly set the alignment.

 

The drag racers also started using tall ball joints or a tall spindle.
One of the legends of the time increased the height of the stock spindle.
I always wondered if the tall ball joints or tall spindle would be safe on the street,as in cause the car to react unpredictably.Are the ball joints also low friction?

 

Joe

How do the stock align settings differ from align settings w tall ball joints?

 

Tall upper and lower ball joints are used very often in the "Pro-Touring" world, I have them myself. Usually need to get a different upper control arm as well. They are shorter than factory arms. With a taller ball joint and a stock upper control arm, you'll need quite a few shims to get the alignment right, and you may run out of room, especially if you're running headers. Which is why the aftermarket arms are shorter, so you don't need a ton a shims to pull the top of the tire in for proper alignment.

Also, assuming you're running modern tires along with the suspension upgrades, your alignment specs will change as well.

 

I like the sound of them, improved handling with a proper alignment and a 1/2" drop in ride height up front, which I could use. Something to consider.

 

New UCA with tall upper and lower ball joints:
http://scandc.com/new/node/37

Different options with only tall upper ball joints, and bushing type:
http://scandc.com/new/catalog/11?page=7


Plenty of ways to skin the cat...
https://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=...100&superpro=0

Tall spindle with 2" drop, requires stock height ball joints and aftermarket UCA
http://www.ridetech.com/products/com...spindles-pair/

 

I have the proforged tall upper and lower in my 66 with stock arms and got a “pro touring” alignment with out any issues but I don’t have headers.

 

No plans for a pro-touring build, just a stock cruiser for local cruise nights and car shows. Great feedback though, and I'll probably stick with Moog and reuse my stock upper and lower control arms. The Proforged ball joints sound like they'll need aftermarket control arms to get the full benefit. As usual, thanks for all the helpful information.

 

I agree with your decision. If you're vehicle is used for cruise nights, car shows, ice cream runs, etc... stick with quality factory style parts, and you'll be good to go!

 

I can't envision how tall upper ball joints effect clearance?

 

Changing the height of the spindle (which is effectively what tall ball joints do) requires the upper control arm pivot shaft to move inboard to achieve proper alignment. This usually results in clearance problems to the exhaust, especially on BBO cars with headers. Shortened upper control arms are available to fix this problem.